Resources & New Publications
EU strengthens science diplomacy and research security to support global research cooperation
As geopolitical competition intensifies, research and innovation are becoming central to economic strength and global influence.
Today, the European Commission presented a new set of measures to strengthen how Europe engages internationally through research and innovation. The initiative aims to reinforce Europe’s global partnerships, while safeguarding its strategic interests, keeping international cooperation open and secure, and enhancing Europe’s attractiveness for talent and innovation worldwide.
Proposal for a Council recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy
The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing the first EU framework for science diplomacy.
The initiative aims to enable the EU and its Member States to act more strategically and speak with one voice when engaging internationally through research and innovation. It seeks to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, promote democratic values and support cooperation to address global challenges, while improving coordination and the efficient use of expertise and resources across the Union. More here.
European Research Area Act public consultation closes with strong stakeholder engagement
The European Commission closed the public consultation on the European Research Area (ERA) Act on 23 January 2026. The consultation drew strong interest from across Europe and beyond. In total, 735 contributions and 117 position papers were submitted, with responses coming from all 27 EU Member States, 8 Associated Countries to Horizon Europe and 15 non-EU countries. Participation was particularly high among academic and research institutions (45%), followed by EU citizens (24%).
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said:
“Europe cannot afford a research system that is fragmented or held back by borders. Our goal is to give researchers and innovators the freedom and the conditions they need to succeed anywhere in Europe. The strong response to this consultation shows clear support for this direction and will directly shape the next steps of this initiative.”
A first look at the contributions shows strong support for the ERA Act and sends a clear message from stakeholders:
- the EU should do more to help national research systems work better together and reduce barriers between countries
- public investment in research and innovation should be clearer, more predictable and supported by concrete national commitments
- researchers need stronger and more consistent protection of their freedom to conduct scientific work across the EU
- moving and working across borders should be easier for researchers, including through simpler recognition of academic qualifications obtained in another EU country
The Commission will now proceed with a thorough analysis of the contributions received, which will inform the next steps in the preparation of the ERA Act, ahead of the presentation of the Commission proposal expected for Q3 2026. More here.
SCAR- Standing Committee on Agricultural research
This policy brief is built on a portfolio analysis of 15 EU-funded research and innovation (R&I) projects conducted between 2014 and 2024, aimed at fostering sustainable agri-food systems beyond the EU, through international partnerships, particularly with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The projects contributed to strengthening local R&I ecosystems, promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement, and delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges such as climate change and food insecurity. However, the analysis identifies persistent gaps, including limited LMIC inclusion, short project durations, misalignment with national policies, and inadequate mechanisms for long-term impact evaluation. The brief recommends transitioning to multi-phase funding models, enhancing co-design and equitable programming, and investing in digital infrastructure and capacity-development. It advocates for stronger public-private partnerships, improved policy integration, and the creation of innovative funding mechanisms to support LMICs and increase their participation. Ultimately, the brief calls for a more inclusive, long-term, and impact-oriented approach to EU-funded agricultural R&I to drive global food system transformation.
Animal Protein Deficit in Africa: The Explosive Potential of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Africa faces a chronic animal protein deficit, with per capita consumption of approximately 10 kg/year compared to a global average of 30 kg, exacerbated by population growth and rapid urbanization. Fisheries and aquaculture, under-exploited sectors despite a 26,000 km coastline and rich inland waters, could fill this gap by boosting local supply and combating protein malnutrition affecting 200 million people. More here.
Africa’s Organic Farmland Shrinks for the First Time in a Decade
- Africa’s certified organic farmland fell 17.6% in 2024, dropping from 3.4 million to 2.8 million hectares.
- The decline coincided with the European Union’s new organic regulation requiring full compliance from third-country exporters.
- African organic exports rose 7.6% to 687,395 tonnes, driven by a 24.4% increase in U.S. demand.
Money flows: What is holding back investment in agroecological research for Africa?
A recent report examines whether agricultural research for development (AgR4D) funding supports the transition to agroecology needed to transform food systems in Africa. Despite growing recognition of agroecology’s importance, development aid for agricultural research, education, and extension has stagnated over the past decade, accounting for only 14% of agricultural aid in sub-Saharan Africa. The agri-development funding landscape has also become more complex, with governments, philanthropic foundations, NGOs, and public-private partnerships playing major roles. Only a few donors — including France, Switzerland, Germany, the FAO, and IFAD — explicitly prioritise agroecology. The report finds that agroecology remains marginal in many funding portfolios. For example, 85% of projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and over 70% of projects by Kenyan research institutes focus mainly on industrial agriculture or efficiency improvements. Only 3% of Gates-funded projects and 13% of Kenyan research projects include agroecological redesign. In contrast, 51% of Swiss-funded projects integrate agroecological approaches, often alongside social and political dimensions such as gender equality and decent work. The findings highlight significant gaps between policy ambitions and actual funding flows for agroecology.Lead coordinating authors: Charlotte Pavageau, Stefanie Pondini, Matthias Geck. Consult here.
Science academies failing to put women at the top
A recent report by the International Science Council, InterAcademy Partnership and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science shows that women remain underrepresented in leadership roles in science academies worldwide. While women now represent about 19% of academy members in 2025, up from 12% in 2015, progress at the top remains slow. Only one in five academies is chaired by a woman, and nearly half have no women as vice-presidents or co-chairs. The report highlights that informal networks and structural barriers continue to influence leadership selection. Women scientists are also 2.5 times more likely than men to report discrimination or harassment. Regional differences exist, but progress is uneven across institutions. The study calls for stronger institutional commitment, including gender equality policies, accountability mechanisms, and dedicated budgets. Researchers stress that gender equality must be embedded in governance, funding and organisational culture to drive lasting change. Read te study here.
BioStruct-Africa’s scalable framework for AlphaFold-enabled research training and sustainable workforce development in Africa
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming structural biology and accelerating access to protein structures, yet many Africa-based scientists still lack infrastructure, training opportunities, and sustained mentorship to fully benefit. Here, we describe BioStruct-Africa’s community-driven framework integrating AlphaFold, experimental structural biology, and computational drug design to train 1000 scientists over the next decade.
Amofa, J.O., George, J., Okumu, N.A. et al. BioStruct-Africa’s scalable framework for AlphaFold-enabled research training and sustainable workforce development in Africa. Commun Biol 9, 321 (2026). Link here.
Commodity export dependence, external shocks and agrifood systems- An analysis of the transmission channels of commodity terms of trade shocks
A recent study from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations analyses how shocks to commodity prices affect agrifood systems in commodity-dependent countries. Using data from 1988–2022, the report shows that negative commodity terms-of-trade shocks lead to lasting declines in GDP, investment, and public expenditure. These shocks also worsen trade balances, increase debt levels, and tighten financial conditions. The impacts are particularly severe in low-income and lower-middle-income countries that rely heavily on commodity exports. Countries with already high debt levels are especially vulnerable, with stronger and more persistent economic downturns following shocks. The findings highlight how global market fluctuations can undermine macroeconomic stability and agrifood system transformation. They also confirm that cross-country interdependencies are a major driver shaping the future of food and agriculture. The report stresses the need for stronger debt management, macro-financial resilience, and economic diversification. These measures are essential to reduce vulnerability to external shocks and support sustainable agrifood system development.
Nalin, L. 2026. Commodity export dependence, external shocks and agrifood systems – An analysis of the transmission channels of commodity terms of trade shocks. FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper 26-02. Rome, FAO. Link here.
Responsible scaling for impact: inclusion and power in food, land and water systems
This CGIAR publication brings together scaling scientists, gender researchers, and innovation practitioners to confront a critical reality: scaling is not neutral. It is shaped by power, institutions, incentives, and social norms. If we scale without intention, we risk reproducing inequality.
It calls for harmonising tools such as GenderUp and Scaling Scan, embedding social risk assessment into scaling readiness, and shifting success metrics from adoption numbers to empowerment, legitimacy, and systemic change. More here.
Would Regional Agricultural Research Organizations Fill the Gap?
This brief working paper highlights the significance of various regional agricultural research organizations, including networks, consortia, and alliances, in the Global South. Despite their potential advantages, these organizations appear to be less prominent today. The evolution of such organizations is especially important for smaller countries. As challenges facing public agricultural research continue to intensify, funding for national and global public research in the Global South has, in most cases, declined in real terms. These trends indicate that regional organizations could play a crucial role in addressing the agricultural research financing gap. More here.
CGIAR appoints Dr. Gary C. Jahn as Head of Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific
Dr. Jahn brings more than 30 years of experience in agricultural development, research, and policy, including over two decades of living and working across the Asia–Pacific region. His career spans leadership roles in international development, research institutions, and global policy engagement focused on strengthening food systems and advancing agricultural innovation.
He joins CGIAR from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where he managed the World Bank Trust Fund for CGIAR and held assignments in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Thailand. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jahn spent nearly 15 years with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), working in Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Lao PDR. He also held an academic appointment at Georgetown University.
In his new role, Dr. Jahn will play a key role in advancing CGIAR’s mission across Asia and the Pacific. He will support the development and operationalization of CGIAR’s continental strategies, strengthen regional visibility, and help ensure that CGIAR’s scientific expertise aligns closely with regional priorities and development needs.
Dr. Jahn will also lead coordination across CGIAR Centers and System Office teams to foster cohesive engagement, strategic partnerships, and demand-driven research collaboration throughout the region. More here.
ROI for Agricultural Research: A Two-Stage Framework
Demonstrating the value of agricultural research for CGIAR has never been more important. As funding environments grow more competitive and accountability expectations rise, return on investment (ROI) has become a common, and reasonable, request. Before asking “What is the ROI?”, two prior questions need answering: is ROI the appropriate metric for this type of research/innovation? And if it is, do we have the data to calculate it credibly?
How SPIA applied this framework
SPIA applied this two-stage framework to 14 of CGIAR’s innovation-level successes, which emerged during prior country-level research. Out of these ROI-Appropriate innovations, only four were deemed ROI-Feasible. This highlights major data infrastructure gaps and the need for: i) better cost documentation from program inception, ii) better adoption measurement integrated into dissemination planning, and iii) impact evaluation designed ex-ante rather than retrofitted after scaling.
Even for these four innovations, estimation revealed a further layer of complexity. Every ROI calculation requires assumptions about cost allocation, reach, and impact extrapolation. These are unavoidable, but they can be handled transparently. More here.
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